First All-Vegan Kilimanjaro Trek Begins in February

A team of vegan climbers between 18 and 70 will take on the world's highest free-standing mountain peak to prove that plant-based diets are key to sustained physical endurance.

An all-vegan expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro—the first of its kind—will begin February, 2018. The “Vegan Kilimanjaro Plant‑Based Nutrition Challenge” will include climbers between the ages of 18 and 70 and will promote the athletic benefits of a plant-based diet. Once participants reach the Uhuru Peak summit, they will unravel a banner dedicated to plant-based medical group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “As a passionate vegan and PCRM supporter,” 50-year-old participant Sharon Warner said, “I knew this was the trip for me, and I immediately enticed my two athletic daughters to join me.” Warner and her family, daughters Alexandra and Madison along with spouse Christopher, will ascend the 19,341-foot peak in the hopes of proving that veganism and athleticism are not mutually exclusive. “Our international team now includes participants from Canada, Norway, South Africa, and Belarus,” trek organizer Mike Weinberg said. “To prove the heights of achievement possible on a plant-based diet, we’re all eager to reach the peak of Kilimanjaro.” Earlier this year, 88-year-old Colorado resident Fred Distelhorst credited his plant-based diet for his ability to ascend Kilimanjaro, stating, “I think I’m in pretty good shape even though I’m a little old guy.”